Y’all, did we skip straight to summer? It’s been beautiful this week – although, I’m pretty sure most of y’all are complaining that it’s too hot. I’ll take any excuse to wear shorts and flip flops, so I’m *thriving*. Spring has sprung, even if that darned groundhog said otherwise. The sun might not be out this weekend, but the temps are looking like they’ll stick around. Make the most of it with these events this weekend:
ANIME CORPUS CHRISTI 2023
Friday – Sunday
American Bank Center
Don’t ask me to make any anime references because all of mine are super outdated. (I’m more of a fighting evil by moonlight, winning love by daylight girl.) BUT, this con makes its inaugural debut this weekend at the American Bank Center. It’ll have all the meet-and-greets, merch tables, photo ops, cosplay events (and more) that you can handle. Check out a full schedule here and grab your admission passes! 
BRING IT ON
Friday, 7 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.
Alamo Drafthouse
Bust out those spirit fingers – no, those aren’t spirit fingers, THESE are spirit fingers (and these … are gold) – for a showing of the early-aughts classic ‘Bring It On’ at Alamo Drafthouse. Relive every cheertastic moment from this memorable film starring Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushuku and Gabrielle Union and snap up your tickets now. What, like you don’t have the opening cheer memorized? Well, we don’t like you either, we’re cheerleaders!
PINBALL NIGHTS
Friday, 8 p.m. and Saturday, 6 p.m.
Quasars Arcade
Are you a pinball wizard or just a pinball aficionado? Players of all skill levels are invited to join in these weekly pinball tournaments. $1 fee for new players, $6 for veteran players. Half of the field wins the cash – find out more here.
ANNUAL BILLY SANDIFER BIG SHELL BEACH CLEANUP
Saturday, 8 a.m.
Padre Island National Seashore
Wake up early this Saturday and keep our island sparkling clean at the annual Billy Sandifer Big Shell Beach Cleanup, presented by the Friends of Padre. Volunteers needed, especially those with four-wheel drive vehicles and trailers. This rain or shine event will not be rescheduled. Meet at the Malaquite Pavilion no later than 8 a.m. Entrance fees to the park will be waived for volunteers – get there early to snag your commemorative T-shirt!
BIRDING FOR BEGINNERS
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center
Did you know that we’re the ‘birdiest’ city in America? Grab those binoculars and soar on down to the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve to learn how to bird watch. I mean, bird is the word, right? Get there early, as binoculars and field guides are loaned on a first come, first served basis. Find out more here.
LET’S GET HEALTHY PORTLAND! ZUMBA
Saturday, 9 a.m.
Joe Burke Pavilion, Portland
Dance your way to a healthier new you with one of the free fitness classes offered by the Portland Parks and Recreation Department. Four classes will be offered starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, with the last at 11 a.m. It’s fun for all ages (with a special class directed at kids). Check out a full lineup on their Facebook event.
EVERYONE LOVES CHESS TOURNAMENT
Saturday, 9 a.m.
St. Patrick School, 3340 S. Alameda St.
Let’s be real, after you watched ‘The Queen’s Gambit,’ you wanted to learn how to play chess. Or, if you’re like me, the giant chess match in ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ is what piqued your interest. Either way, if you fancy yourself a chessmaster, why not put your skills to the test at this CHESS CORE tournament? There’s different levels for scholastic (K-12) players and an open tournament (for anyone). Find out more here.
JUNIOR RANGER EXPLORATION HIKE
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Lake Corpus Christi State Park
Do your kiddos (or you) dream of one day becoming a Texas State Park Ranger? Well, look no further: join one this Saturday! This program, suited for kids age 6 and up, features a short walk on Kiskadee Trail, followed by completing activities in the Texas State Park’s Junior Ranger Journal in the Birding Area. (Participants ages 6-7 can earn a badge, but older participants may have to do some extra work to get a badge.) Meet at the Kiskadee Trailhead, and don’t forget your close-toed shoes, water, sun protection and pencil. The program is free with park admission – and all ages are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult).
HERPS EXOTIC REPTILE AND PET SHOW
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds, Robstown
Three words: Exotic, pet, show. I’m sold. Find your newest scaly or furry family member, or stock up on supplies for your exotic babies at one of the nearly 200 tables. Or, window shop if you’re like me (I desperately want to snuggle EVERY ANIMAL – yes, even the ones that have antennae). Tickets available at the door.
EASTER COOKIE DECORATING CLASS
Saturday, 10:30 a.m.
Windy City Bakery
Another week, another time for me to bust out the only cookie decorating joke I know: I’ll bet you’re royally* tired of me making it. Eh? Eh? Hop to it and grab your spot for this class before it’s sold out! (And if it is, mark your calendars for April 1st – yes April Fool’s Day – for the next class.) $65 per person.
SUSHI MAKING CLASS
Saturday, noon and 1 p.m.
Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures
Roll up to the Texas State Museum of Asian Cultures to try your hand at making sushi. I don’t know about you, but sushi is one of my top five favorite things to eat … so this is a class I wouldn’t want to miss! Sign up here.
RED NOT CHILI PEPPERS
Saturday, 7 p.m.
House of Rock
Hey, oh, listen what I say, oh: Red NOT Chili Peppers will be playing all your favorite RHCP hits. I’ll be standing in line to see the show Saturday night at House of Rock. Don’t pass up this chance, grab your tickets now so you don’t ever have to feel like you did that day.
JEWISH SOUP & SANDWICH FUNDRAISER
Sunday, 11 a.m.
Congregation Beth Israel
Sunday looks like it’s going to be cloudy, so why not brighten up your day with your favorite soup and sandwiches? Congregation Beth Israel in Corpus Christi will be serving up matzah ball soup, vegetarian split pea soup, cabbage roll soup, borscht, corned beef sandwiches and chicken sandwiches. Sounds like my lunch plans are already made! All proceeds benefit the congregation.
PLANT AND SEED SWAP
Sunday, 4 p.m.
Garden of Grace at First United Methodist Church
I may not have the greenest thumb, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting, like, literally every plant. Now’s the time to get started on those spring gardens, so stop by the Gardens of Grace (managed by Grow Local South Texas) to swap plant starts, seeds and cuttings – or, if you’re a beginning gardener, see what you can collect.
